Washington, D.C. police found themselves in a difficult situation this week during a standoff involving the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), staff from the Trump administration, and Elon Musk’s DOGE service. The conflict arose when administration staff attempted to take control of the building to install a new president at the think tank, which is funded by Congress. Ultimately, the police sided with DOGE, but the decision raised questions about legality and authority.
On Monday, George Moose, the then-president of the USIP, was confronted by police at his office. Moose reported that officers informed him it was time for him to leave. This confrontation occurred after USIP employees had called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for assistance. At around 4 p.m., as the standoff continued, the acting U.S. attorney for D.C., Ed Martin, directed the police to a letter indicating that Moose had been replaced. This letter, seen as a legal document by the police, led them to ask Moose to vacate the premises.
Vanessa Batters-Thompson, a legal expert, noted that the police were likely following their training in dealing with disputes. However, the situation raised concerns about the validity of the letter that purportedly authorized Moose’s removal. The USIP has since filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that proper procedures were not followed in the leadership change.
Democratic Congressman Don Beyer condemned the actions taken by DOGE and the Trump administration, labeling it an illegal power grab that misused law enforcement. This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the role of police in political disputes, especially in a city like Washington, D.C., where local law enforcement often interacts closely with federal authorities.
Rosa Brooks, a law professor and former MPD reserve officer, highlighted the challenges faced by police officers in such politically charged situations. She expressed concern that officers might struggle to determine whether the orders they receive are lawful.
A judge later ruled against the USIP’s request to halt the takeover, stating that it was challenging to assess the legality of the administration’s actions. The judge acknowledged the troubling nature of law enforcement’s involvement in the matter.
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the independence of the USIP and the implications of this incident for future interactions between law enforcement and political entities. NPR reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s office and DOGE for comments but did not receive a response.